Good evening, good morning or good night, depending on when
you read this post
In my usual dreaming, researching etc,
for those with good sized caravans, ie around 16ft and above
what do you tow it with?
and i know ive always talked about campervans , but
all the ones ive looked at have great ages on them and k's
so im kind of thinking or dreaming about a 16-17 ft caravan
for when the time comes ,if it ever does..
probably like one with a decent shower,toilet bathroom, the one in the
tardis is very difficult to move around in..
any way, i kind of feel caravans as when we've been in the motor home we end up being stuck , ie have to pack up and leave for the day
i kind of have been thinking alot of the mazda bt50, probably duel cab
or maybe toyota hilux, as i know that there quite popular..
im kind of thinking of a set up that could be a permanent living setup or semi - to part time and will be in caravan parks 98% of the time..
but id like your thoughts on your setups,
i know im dreaming now , but who knows , and i always thank
every one here for their advice etc...
thanks
milo
gst said
05:19 AM Jan 15, 2012
Well milo I have a 1997 Windsor royal pulled with a 2005 Nissan patrol and have no complaints yet a twin cab ute would be my next veh even a patrol converted I had driving all makes of vehicles but I believe the Nissan,Toyota & Landrover in standard or twin cab the best as Parts are a lot easier to get any where in Australia. But as they say horse for courses .
-- Edited by gst on Sunday 15th of January 2012 05:23:54 AM
Dougwe said
08:23 AM Jan 15, 2012
Hi Milo, I have been thinking about and looking at similar vehicles. I have thought off, Ford Ranger and Mazda BT50 (same vehicle just different badges) yet the BT50 has a larger towing capacity. Now I am starting to think, Isuzu Dmax, Toyota Hilux or go away from the twin cab ute type and think maybe Toyota Prado. The reason for the Prado is I have decided I think I would prefer to have that back section closed in, I know a canopy on the ute sorts that out and whichever way I go would have to be second hand unless I was lucky last night but I havn't got a phone call yet so it looks like my luck has not changed, no luck. I will be interested in other's comments as to a tow vehicle, tug etc etc. DOUG
blaze said
09:51 AM Jan 15, 2012
I like landrovers myself. The reason why is for the same year they are thousands cheaper than their counter parts which are really only the patrol and cruiser. They have a 3500kg tow capacity. The diesel engine is most likely the most fuel efficent. The down side is they have no resale value but I keep them long enough that it dosnt matter cheers blaze
Dougwe said
07:42 PM Jan 15, 2012
I forgot to mention Landrovers as well, blaze. Only problem there is, I have been told by a few people locally to be careful with the LD as they have a few mechanical problems and are expensive to work on also they don't have a good towing capacity yet I see you say 3500kg blaze. I will keep a watchful eye on all the comments here. Good luck with your research milo, there is a large choice out there. Decisions, Decisions????
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 15th of January 2012 07:44:19 PM
milo said
07:57 PM Jan 15, 2012
thanks , yeah thats the trouble ,so much choice, i cant wait till the rose hill caravan show is on , then i can go and have a good look,er dream some more... lol
blaze said
07:58 PM Jan 15, 2012
Dougwe wrote:
I forgot to mention Landrovers as well, blaze. Only problem there is, I have been told by a few people locally to be careful with the LD as they have a few mechanical problems and are expensive to work on also they don't have a good towing capacity yet I see you say 3500kg blaze. I will keep a watchful eye on all the comments here. Good luck with your research milo, there is a large choice out there. Decisions, Decisions????
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 15th of January 2012 07:44:19 PM
Hi Doug
My old rangie had a tow capacity of 4000kg. The parts are no dearer than any other modern vehicle. Good maintance on any vehicle will minimise expensive repairs.
cheers
blaze
Dougwe said
08:08 PM Jan 15, 2012
Thanks blaze, I will check one out that is in a second hand car yard locally tomorrow arvo and have a chat to my mechanic and a diesel mechanic at work ( I havn't spoken to them yet). I just hope if I buy local and they know I'm local they will not try and put one over me. I live in a regional town.
Turtle said
11:16 PM Jan 15, 2012
Hi Milo and fellow towers
Like all yr other answers, theres lots to pick from we have the first model Toyota Prado it had 50k on it when we brought it now has 360k.
It has dual fuel tanks standard, is constant 4wd, is auto and we have owned and towed both a 15 foot and 17 foot van with no effort. Without towing we still get 1100ks out of the 2 tanks, towing it averages between 850 and 920.
We have never lost a van and depending on road conditions cruise between 80 and 110.
On current prices to fill both tanks with unleaded averages around $150/160. Cant remeber the exact tanks sizes I think the main is 93L and secondary is 69L. Did 13,000Klms in a half loop last yr pulling a avan type van and with all excess running around and side trips we spent $2000 on fuel the hole trip food parks, site seeing etc cost us $5000 all up. We did do a fair bit of free camping in that as we are set up so we can go up to 4 days without needing a park.
We have had a Jackaroo & 2 patrols and found them all good but the Prado does it for us ticking all our boxes
Turtle
milo said
12:18 AM Jan 16, 2012
does it take long to get used to driving with a van behind you?
ive only driven the motorhome,
and how long did it take for you to get used to parking the van at a caravan park etc ?
-- Edited by milo on Monday 16th of January 2012 03:47:30 AM
Smokeydk said
09:22 AM Jan 16, 2012
Milo........asking a question like that.will make it difficult for you....
Firstly......you have to concider the weight of the van..and ball weight
Second.......we can all suggest a vehicle......most will say....this brand works for us...........it might not for you Example: Nissan patrols....LC.......Land Rovers.....all duel cab utes.......I cant fit in any.(I'm too tall..cant get legs under steering wheel).till I found a Pajero....I'm not saying they are any better than the others...........I'm saying get what suites you
Dreaming costs you nothing Milo
milo said
11:31 AM Jan 16, 2012
thanks smokiey, and every one else..
Elle on Wheels said
03:00 PM Jan 16, 2012
Hi Milo I found I got used to towing very quickly in the sense of I am always aware the caravan is there so I am always alert and cautious and also aware of the wind and speed and braking time etc. Doing a weekend towing course was really helpful and if I think I need to will do a quick half day refresher with the RAC before hitting the road full time. Although most people would say you need a bathroom and toilet, I elected not to have one so that I could get a smaller van (15 foot) and maximise the living space. I have a shower tent and portapot. I bought the largest van that I could tow with my hilux which is only 4 cylinder so it had to be light - tare is 760. I'm not experienced in any sense but am alert and calm and feel very comfortable with what I ended up with.
signwilson said
03:22 PM Jan 16, 2012
100 series 4.2 turbo diesel landruiser the one and only tow vehicle. Economical, long range tanks get parts anywhere great to drive. I am a mechanic and have driven and towed with many vehicles these are by a long way the best.
Turtle said
09:45 PM Jan 16, 2012
Hi Choco
Its really about you, practice till u learn the turning circle, length of your train, and the lockup point when van and tug hit when turning in reverse.
The size of the A frame effects the turn, longer is easier than shorter.
But at trips end u will be able to do it all, if you cant ask your co driver if they would like to learn!!
its all fun dont stress
Turtle
deb-gary said
12:46 PM Jan 17, 2012
easy to say 100 series turbo diesel is best vehicle but not easy to find and not cheap either
Dougwe said
03:33 PM Jan 17, 2012
Hi Milo, I'm starting to think more Toyota Prado 2000 on, models. I had a look at the Land Rover yesterday arvo and too much wrong, one thing I did notice thanks to this forum was the undercarriage had all been freshly painted, the sales man got a bit annoyed when I got on the ground and started crawling under to check it, I think he might have known something??? So much for a local looking after a local. I also had a lengthy talk to my mechanic and friend who is a diesel mechanic and they both suggested the Prado as it seems to meet all my needs but make sure I get a diesel. I do agree with a comment somewhere up further here about it's a personal choice, it really is just that. Good luck with it all Milo.
Esmeralda said
04:22 PM Jan 17, 2012
Milo I found no problems towing the van from the time I picked it up - however I occasionally look in the rear view mirror I think "that van's awfully close", then realise it is me!!!
Dougwe said
04:37 PM Jan 18, 2012
Well, I had a look at a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado "Grande" today, 2000 model, auto with duel fuel, gas/petrol. Good km's, good nick and brand new BFG tyers all round. I said I wasn't happy with price so he is working on a hopefully better offer. The price he will come up with will include a couple of extras. I have worked out what I would be happy with so all going well I could have a new tow vehicle (well second hand anyway). As you could imagine, being a 2000 model it's lost a bit of it's show room looks but nothing a spit and polish wouldn't fix.
legendgj said
07:18 PM Jan 12, 2015
Just a question going to travel and wondering about my tow vehicle it is a 2003 Toyota Land-cruiser 4700 V8 it only has 172,000 K's, Do you think this tow would be to heavy on petrol or should I trade for a Diesel. I do own my tow and love it.
Good evening, good morning or good night, depending on when
you read this post
In my usual dreaming, researching etc,
for those with good sized caravans, ie around 16ft and above
what do you tow it with?
and i know ive always talked about campervans , but
all the ones ive looked at have great ages on them and k's
so im kind of thinking or dreaming about a 16-17 ft caravan
for when the time comes ,if it ever does..
probably like one with a decent shower,toilet bathroom, the one in the
tardis is very difficult to move around in..
any way, i kind of feel caravans as when we've been in the motor home we end up being stuck , ie have to pack up and leave for the day
i kind of have been thinking alot of the mazda bt50, probably duel cab
or maybe toyota hilux, as i know that there quite popular..
im kind of thinking of a set up that could be a permanent living setup or semi - to part time and will be in caravan parks 98% of the time..
but id like your thoughts on your setups,
i know im dreaming now , but who knows , and i always thank
every one here for their advice etc...
thanks
milo
-- Edited by gst on Sunday 15th of January 2012 05:23:54 AM
Hi Milo, I have been thinking about and looking at similar vehicles. I have thought off, Ford Ranger and Mazda BT50 (same vehicle just different badges) yet the BT50 has a larger towing capacity. Now I am starting to think, Isuzu Dmax, Toyota Hilux or go away from the twin cab ute type and think maybe Toyota Prado. The reason for the Prado is I have decided I think I would prefer to have that back section closed in, I know a canopy on the ute sorts that out and whichever way I go would have to be second hand unless I was lucky last night but I havn't got a phone call yet so it looks like my luck has not changed, no luck. I will be interested in other's comments as to a tow vehicle, tug etc etc. DOUG
cheers
blaze
I forgot to mention Landrovers as well, blaze. Only problem there is, I have been told by a few people locally to be careful with the LD as they have a few mechanical problems and are expensive to work on also they don't have a good towing capacity yet I see you say 3500kg blaze. I will keep a watchful eye on all the comments here. Good luck with your research milo, there is a large choice out there. Decisions, Decisions????
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 15th of January 2012 07:44:19 PM
thanks , yeah thats the trouble ,so much choice, i cant wait till the rose hill caravan show is on , then i can go
and have a good look,er dream some more... lol
Hi Doug
My old rangie had a tow capacity of 4000kg. The parts are no dearer than any other modern vehicle. Good maintance on any vehicle will minimise expensive repairs.
cheers
blaze
Thanks blaze, I will check one out that is in a second hand car yard locally tomorrow arvo and have a chat to my mechanic and a diesel mechanic at work ( I havn't spoken to them yet). I just hope if I buy local and they know I'm local they will not try and put one over me. I live in a regional town.
Hi Milo and fellow towers
Like all yr other answers, theres lots to pick from we have the first model Toyota Prado it had 50k on it when we brought it now has 360k.
It has dual fuel tanks standard, is constant 4wd, is auto and we have owned and towed both a 15 foot and 17 foot van with no effort. Without towing we still get 1100ks out of the 2 tanks, towing it averages between 850 and 920.
We have never lost a van and depending on road conditions cruise between 80 and 110.
On current prices to fill both tanks with unleaded averages around $150/160. Cant remeber the exact tanks sizes I think the main is 93L and secondary is 69L. Did 13,000Klms in a half loop last yr pulling a avan type van and with all excess running around and side trips we spent $2000 on fuel the hole trip food parks, site seeing etc cost us $5000 all up. We did do a fair bit of free camping in that as we are set up so we can go up to 4 days without needing a park.
We have had a Jackaroo & 2 patrols and found them all good but the Prado does it for us ticking all our boxes
Turtle
does it take long to get used to driving with a van behind you?
ive only driven the motorhome
,
and how long did it take for you to get used to parking the van at a caravan park etc ?
-- Edited by milo on Monday 16th of January 2012 03:47:30 AM
Firstly......you have to concider the weight of the van..and ball weight
Second.......we can all suggest a vehicle......most will say....this brand works for us...........it might not for you
Example: Nissan patrols....LC.......Land Rovers.....all duel cab utes.......I cant fit in any.(I'm too tall..cant get legs under steering wheel).till I found a Pajero....I'm not saying they are any better than the others...........I'm saying get what suites you
Dreaming costs you nothing Milo
Hi Choco
Its really about you, practice till u learn the turning circle, length of your train, and the lockup point when van and tug hit when turning in reverse.
The size of the A frame effects the turn, longer is easier than shorter.
But at trips end u will be able to do it all, if you cant ask your co driver if they would like to learn!!
its all fun dont stress
Turtle
Hi Milo, I'm starting to think more Toyota Prado 2000 on, models. I had a look at the Land Rover yesterday arvo and too much wrong, one thing I did notice thanks to this forum was the undercarriage had all been freshly painted, the sales man got a bit annoyed when I got on the ground and started crawling under to check it, I think he might have known something??? So much for a local looking after a local. I also had a lengthy talk to my mechanic and friend who is a diesel mechanic and they both suggested the Prado as it seems to meet all my needs but make sure I get a diesel. I do agree with a comment somewhere up further here about it's a personal choice, it really is just that. Good luck with it all Milo.
Milo I found no problems towing the van from the time I picked it up - however I occasionally look in the rear view mirror I think "that van's awfully close", then realise it is me!!!